Recruiting: Michigan State looking at several junior college offensive linemen

Jul. 4, 2013

Written by

Matt Dorsey

Detroit Free Press Special Writer

With the expected graduation of three offensive line starters after the 2013 season, Michigan State is looking to the junior college ranks to provide an immediate infusion of talent. The Spartans have been in contact with several prospects. The hope is that they can graduate in December, participate in spring practice and challenge for a starting spot next season.

Under Mark Dantonio, the Spartans have not been nearly as active in the junior college recruiting than when John L. Smith was coach. Much of that is because of Dantonio’s belief of building program depth through the high school ranks. But Dantonio is not averse to tapping into the junior college ranks to fill a specific need. Recent key contributors include Fou Fonoti and Anthony Rashad White were junior college standouts before arriving in East Lansing.

Here is a look at a few of the junior college offensive line prospects MSU is actively recruiting:

City College of San Francisco's Dave Hedelin

The 6-foot-5, 285-pounder is considered one of the most sought-after prospects in the country at his position. He has an impressive list of scholarships that includes MSU, USC, Oregon, Tennessee and Arkansas. Hedelin, who recently moved from Sweden, has made a smooth transition to American football. Hedelin plans on taking all five of his official visits before making his college decision.

Pasadena (Calif.) City College's Raul Martinez

The 6-5, 285-pound Martinez is a versatile prospect who has the ability to play every position on the line. MSU has not offered Martinez a scholarship at this point, but he told SpartanMag.com that he plans to visit East Lansing this fall. Martinez has a scholarship offer from Cincinnati and is being evaluated by MSU, Washington State, Utah and Kansas.

Garden City (N.Y.) Nassau C.C.'s Chad Mavety

Mavety is one of the top junior college linemen in the nation with over 20 scholarship offers, including MSU. Right now, the Spartans are playing catch up as teams like Ohio State, Alabama and Florida State are viewed as his leaders and he has set up visits to see those schools. Mavety told SpartanMag.com that he has been in contact with MSU offensive line coach Mark Staten and he would prefer to stay somewhat closer to home if possible.

Woodland Hills (Calif.) Pierce C.C.'s Justin Scott

The 6-5, 290-pound Scott could be the player the Spartans make a strong move at in the coming weeks. Scott is from Detroit nd his family still lives there. In addition, Scott projects as an offensive tackle, the position of greatest need on the offensive line. Scott already has BCS offers from West Virginia, Washington State, Cincinnati and Kansas. Scott attended Southeastern and played a year with All-America Will Gholston.

The big key with most of these prospects is being eligible to enroll in December as well as having three-years to play two. What that means is that they still would have a redshirt available if needed. Having that extra year is what allowed MSU to redshirt Fonoti last year when he was injured and get him back for this season.

Matt Dorsey is a recruiting analyst for SpartanMag.com and Rivals.com.